Your Windows application can’t communicate with a Kinect for Windows sensor because of bandwidth limitations

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Symptom

On your computer, the Windows application that you’re trying to use with a Kinect for Windows sensor can’t communicate with the sensor because of bandwidth limitations.

Problem

In addition to the Kinect for Windows sensor, there are too many devices (keyboard, mouse, or other peripherals) connected to the USB ports on your computer.

The Kinect for Windows sensor needs the majority of the USB bandwidth of a USB controller. If other devices that are connected to your computer via USB ports are also trying to use that bandwidth, the Kinect for Windows sensor may be unable to function.

Solution

Try the following to fix the USB bandwidth problem:

Disconnect other unused USB devices.

Use a different USB port on the computer. If you can, connect to a USB 2.0 port.

If you are using a USB hub, unplug the Kinect for Windows sensor from the hub and plug it directly into your computer.

Then, disconnect and reconnect the Kinect for Windows sensor.

More information

This problem occurs when the Kinect for Windows sensor does not have enough bandwidth to function. Bandwidth refers to the capacity of a device to transfer or receive data. Every computer has a set amount of bandwidth available to run its own systems as well as those of the devices connected to it.

Your computer typically reserves 20 percent of its available bandwidth to run its own systems. The Kinect for Windows sensor requires 50 percent of a computer’s available bandwidth. Other devices may require still more bandwidth to operate correctly.

To keep both your computer and your Kinect for Windows sensor operating smoothly, try to have no devices other than the sensor connected to your computer’s USB ports while you use Kinect for Windows.

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